ALEC’s model resolution on alternative fuels opposes the use of command and control type mechanisms to encourage alternative fuel use.

Model Resolution

WHEREAS, Approximately 180 million vehicles are on the road using nearly 300 million gallons of fuel a day of which gasoline and diesel representing ninety-eight percent of daily fuel usage; and

WHEREAS, The National Energy Policy Act and the 1990 Amendments to the Clean Air Act require states to undertake a number of steps to reduce vehicle-related pollution and increase energy security and bring themselves in compliance with federal law; and

WHEREAS, Such steps include a switch including but not limited to alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG) electricity, ethanol, hydrogen, methanol, propane (LPG) and reformulated gasoline; and

WHEREAS, Alternative fuels have a role in meeting our nation’s air quality goals but its success depends on its ease of conversion, cost to consumers, and resulting air quality benefits; and

WHEREAS, Mandates for specific alternative fuels can be very expensive and often fail to deliver the promised environmental and energy security benefits; and

WHEREAS, Fuel mandates are often based on political considerations, benefitting one industry or one company at society’s expense; and

WHEREAS, Government mandates effectively shut the door on research and development that could lead to options for fuels that are environmentally and economically superior; and

WHEREAS, The free market, not government mandates, works best in producing environmentally responsible, affordable conventional and alternative fuels; and

WHEREAS, mandates for alternative fuels that already are heavily subsidized impose a heavy cost on the economy, and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the government should not mandate the use of specific alternative fuels. It should instead set reasonable environmental performance standards, and let the market determine which fuels can best meet the standards at the lowest cost and greatest convenience to consumers; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That fuels meeting these standards should rise or fall on their ability to compete in the marketplace; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to all ALEC members.